3 things we learned from Mexico's win over Cameroon

NATAL, Brazil — Mexico created chances, dominated possession, and was sound defensively. It was nearly a flawless performance, but for 60 minutes, El Tri failed to score.

Two controversial disallowed goals, a slew of offside calls, and near misses mixed together in a match that seemed destined to end 0-0 until Oribe Peralta banged home Mexico’s first goal in 240 minutes.

“I want to score as many goals as possible,” Peralta said, “And take advantage of every opportunity that I get.”

Mexico moves on to play Brazil on June 17, and here are three things we know heading into that pivotal second game.

1. Javier Hernandez is wasting away on the bench.

It took 73 minutes for Mexico’s third-leading scorer in team history to get on the field. Herrera has positioned Hernandez as something of a super substitute, but here’s a question: Why?

Strikers live off confidence, and the 26-year-old has been struggling to find his. Herrera’s answer was to leave Hernandez on the bench. That doesn’t do either side any good. You need a player of Chicharito’s caliber on the pitch, simple as that.

In 18 minutes, Hernandez had a hand in two excellent chances; one for himself and the other a cross for Marco Fabian. Both went begging, which likely leaves Hernandez on the bench for another match.

(AP)

2. The weight has lifted.

Mexico had 61% of possession and dominated every aspect of play. That runs in stark contrast to the game against Portgual. Of course, Mexico’s dominance on Friday wasn’t all Mexico’s doing. Cameroon sat in a defensive shell for the entire match and seemed apathetic about contesting the midfield.

“We could have scored more, but unfortunately we’re not used to these conditions,” Mexico coach Miguel Herrera said. “Frankly, the refereeing took away two clear goals, but at the end of the day you’ve got to work for it, and we get to the next match with three points and very high spirits.”

That said, El Tri needed to beat Cameroon, and they did. With an uphill battle against Brazil and then Croatia looming, this was an essential three points.

3. The goalkeeper controversy doesn’t exist.

Or more accurately, it doesn’t matter now. Guillermo Ochoa did his job, even if there wasn’t much that needed to be done until the 91st minute, when he made an absolutely astounding save. Coach Miguel Herrera said before the match Ochoa was his man and a shutout only reinforces that assertion. Winning heals all ills.

Now what?

Mexico faces World Cup host Brazil in a match that will surely test El Tri’s resolve. A draw would be a great result for Mexico, and would set the team up nicely for their final match of group play against Croatia.

Mexico created chances, dominated possession, and was sound defensively.

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